Reasons to order an appraisal from James Earp Appraisal Service

To many, an appraisal is simply another cost on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance.
Practically all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem more practical than an appraisal.
Is getting a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there other situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful? You bet there are.

Dispute your tax assessment in Wake County

If you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes.
When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence.
We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to reduce a mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property.
Since the added payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten.
This is bad because PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark.
In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, James Earp Appraisal Service can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can often be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settle a divorce with fewer hang-ups

A divorce can be an especially daunting experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who maintains the house.
So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from James Earp Appraisal Service, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment.

Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved.
We ensure the highest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike wealthy individuals.
A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal.

Move to or from Wake County through an employee relocation program

We understand the stress involved with an employee relocation.
That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection.
We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed inspection.

Close on your home promptly — for the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent.
Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for.
Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report.

We determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis.
And we're experts in knowing how long housesstay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what an appropriate sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time.